Rubio Defends Kushner Presence at UAE Presidential Meeting in Abu Dhabi

US Senator and Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio has defended his decision to include Jared Kushner in a high-level meeting with UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Rubio stated the invitation was extended to allow Kushner, the son-in-law of President-elect Donald Trump, a "chance to catch up" with a "good friend." Diplomatic Protocol and Transition The meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, occurred as Rubio prepares to transition into his role as the top US diplomat. Kushner, who served as a senior advisor during the first Trump administration, currently holds no official government position. Rubio dismissed questions regarding the breach of traditional diplomatic protocol, emphasizing the personal nature of the relationship between Kushner and the UAE leadership. Kushner was the primary architect of the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel. His presence at the meeting in Abu Dhabi suggests a continuing involvement in Middle East policy as the incoming administration takes shape. Rubio has characterized Kushner’s participation as an informal addition to the delegation. Regional Policy Continuity The…